A new Database Roles utility allows for data access rights to be more stringently controlled, as access can now be set at a data type level.

Database Roles lets you edit how specific data tables (e.g. Lithostratigraphy) associated data types (e.g. Group) are viewed within the ODM database. Roles can be used to restrict users from editing particular data types (i.e. setting some data types as 'read only' data) or for tidying up the Data Selector by hiding particular data types.

A Database Role can be assigned to any number of Database Users.

Create Database Roles

Access the Database Roles dialog from the Database menu above the main ODM3 toolbar. The Database Roles dialog lists all existing Roles (if any). When setting up a new Role, all of the data tables and associated data types are displayed in a tree structure, which reflects the Database Manager. Each data table and data type has an image associated with them which depict whether they have been set up as Hidden, Read-only or Read/Write data. Hidden data - data will appear hidden to users assigned to this role, so they won't see it listed under the appropriate well and it won't be available in the data selector (e.g. when you're choosing data to display in a data panel). Exception: they will still see this data where it has been displayed on a map or chart by another user. Read-only data - users can view, but not make any changes to, the data. Read/Write data - users can view and make changes to the data.

Assign Roles to Users

A specific Database Role can applied to any number of Database Users, and a user can be removed from a role at any time. Users may have more than one role applied to their user ID, but if there are any clashes between hidden, read-only or read/write functions then the setting with the highest privilege will be made available.

Find out more

Database Roles is covered in more detail in the ODM3 Helpfile. In ODM3, click F1 to open the Helpfile and browse to 'Setting up Database Roles' under the 'Databases' section.